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THE SILVER STATUE OF COLUMBUS EXHIBITED AT THE 
COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION. 



THE POETIC STORY 
OF THE HERO OF THE OCEAN 



CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS FROM HIS BIRTH 

TO LIFE'S CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT— 

THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA 



Rev. HORACE^STILLMAN, A.M. 






OF WASH'A^>^ ; 



1893 



PS 2919 



Copyright, i^g-^, 
By HORACE STILLMAN. 






Press of J. J. Little & Co. 
Astor Place, New York 



PREFACE. 

Attention, reader ! while I tell 

The story that is known so well — 

The story old, the story true, 

Here dressed in verbal vesture new, 

Of how Columbus saw the light, 

In a dark age of error's night. 

That wisdom's sons had never found, 

By which he proved "this world is round." 

How that illustrious hero bold 

Then faced the frowns of young and old, 

And stormy winds both loud and frantic, 

Until he crossed the wild Atlantic, 

And found and gave the world the key 

To this dear land of liberty. 

The Author. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

His early life — Description of birthplace — Parentage — Education 
— Early adventures as a sailor — His life at Lisbon — Mar- 
riage — Birth of his son Diego — Restless under the spirit of 
adventure ii 



CHAPTER II. 

Columbus seeking assistance of King John the Second of Portugal 
— Before the king and his council of wise men — His argu- 
ments for the rotundity of the earth — Reasons for believing 
that land could be found by sailing west — The reply and the • 
rejection 15 



CHAPTER III. 

The king's perfidy — His secret expedition sent out to test 
the schemes of Columbus — The vessel encounters a severe 
storm and is driven back to port 20 



6 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 

PAGE 

Columbus leaves in disgust and seeks assistance at Genoa — Is 
derided and rejected by his countrymen — Decides to try his 
chance in Spain 24 

CHAPTER V. 

He and Diego sail to Palos — From Palos they start on foot for 
Cordova to travel a hundred miles — Are in a state of desti- 
tution — Kind reception at a monastery on the way — Diego 
left to be educated — Columbus meets Queen Isabella and 
seeks her assistance — The queen is deeply interested, but his 
demands seem exorbitant — His terms are rejected — Colum- 
bus recalled and terms agreed upon • 26 

CHAPTER VI. 

An exploring expedition fitted out — Difficulties of obtaining a 

crew — How obtained — A motley band — Sad parting scenes.. 31 

CHAPTER VII. 

A description of the voyage — Murmuring of the crew — A plot to 
disable one of the vessels — Landing 'at Canary Isles — The 
vessel repaired and the voyage resumed — Frightened by a 
meteor — Relieved by signs of land — Seaweed — Flights of 
birds — Distant clouds thought to be mountains — The sailors 
jubilant — Columbus returns thanks to God — Three days of 
disappointed expectation — Columbus sees a light — Land first 
seen by a sailor 34 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Happy experience of the Spaniards — A delightful morning — 
Beautiful scenes of land — The landing described — Columbus 
in prayer — Penitential attitude of the rebellious — The Span- 
ish banner unfurled — The timidity of the natives — The 
Spaniards regarded as celestial beings — The Spaniards' view 
of the natives — Exchange of gifts — A collation given by the 
natives 39 



CHAPTER IX. 

A further description of the natives — Their youthful appearance 
— Views of the future life — Peaceful appearance — What a 
closer inspection revealed 43 



CHAPTER X. 

The insatiable thirst for gold — What they understood the natives 
to say of the opulence of other islands — The people of 
Southern Islands highly ornamented with gold — The noted 
chief who eats and drinks from golden dishes — Successful 
plundering expedition to Northern Islands — Seven natives 
taken on the vessels for instruction in the Spanish language 
— The fleet sails to another beautiful island that they call 
Conception — The vain search for gold — Beautiful birds of 
plumage . . 46 



o CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XI. 

PAGE 

The voyage to other islands — A band of Indians in a canoe 
— A native jumps from the deck of the " Nina" — Is received 
on the canoe — The Spaniards' hot pursuit — The escape — 
Another native in his canoe — He hails the " Santa Maria " 
— Exchange balls of cotton yarn for little trinkets — Is sud- 
denly seized by the Spaniards and taken on the ship — 
Columbus adorns him with brilliant trinkets and sends him 
ashore — The happy effect upon the natives — Another Indian 
overtaken in a very frail canoe — His reception by Columbus 
on the "Santa Maria" — Is sent ashore in glittering orna- 
ments — The waters soon swarm with Indian canoes — The 
beautiful isle called Fernandina — Indian dwellings described 
— Other islands ahead — '" Saomita," or Fernandina, reached 
and described — Gold still ahead — The natives' description of 
Cuba 49 



CHAPTER XII. 

Sailing to Cuba — Beautiful scenery as they approach the island — 
The landing — The terrified natives flee from their dwellings 
— A three days' sail along the coast — An angry tempest — 
Shelter found in the mouth of a little stream — A landing 
effected — The natives terrified — An Indian guide swims 
ashore and quells their fears — "A grand inland city " de- 
scribed by the natives — Description of an embassy sent out 
to find it 55 



CONTENTS. g 

CHAPTER XIII. 

PAGE 

Other discoveries — A historical riddle — The experience of the 
envoys — Historical riddle No. 2 — The phantom ships — 
Columbus disappointed — More natives taken on the vessels 
— Beautiful young men and maidens — Another island sought 
— A severe storm encountered — The "Pinta" separates from 
the other boats — Columbus seeks and finds a harbor that he 
calls St. Catharine — Beautiful scenery — Mammoth oaks and 
mammoth canoes — Columbus in trouble about the absence 
of the " Pinta" — He again sets sail to seek a w^ealthy island 
— An island seen — The natives on the ships greatly terrified 
— Frightful stories about its inhabitants — Columbus, un- 
concerned, rushes ahead for the island — A landing effected — 
Armed men sent out to gain access to the natives — The 
natives terrified — Capture of an Indian maid — Beautifully 
adorned and sent ashore — Regarded by the natives as a decoy 
— The natives reached by a Cuban guide — Two thousand 
natives visit the ships 59 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Experience with an Indian chief — The loss of the " Santa Maria " 
— The returning voyage of Columbus — Safe at home — An 
enthusiastic reception 68 




QUEEN ISABELLA. 



THE POETIC STORY OF THE 
HERO OF THE OCEAN. 



CHAPTER I. 

HIS EARLY LIFE— DESCRIPTION OF BIRTHPLACE— PARENTAGE— EDU- 
CATION — EARLY ADVENTURES AS A SAILOR — HIS LIFE AT LISBON 
—MARRIAGE— BIRTH OF HIS SON DIEGO— RESTLESS UNDER THE 
SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE. 

Beside a lovely mountain, 

On a fair Italian shore, 
Stands in her pride of glory 

The city of Genoa. 

Lost in the mists of ages 

Is the record of her birth, 
But she gave to fame immortal 

One whose praise now fills the earth. 

Born was he of humble parents 
Having but a common name, 

Toiling daily for life's comforts. 
Dreaming not of wealth or fame. 



12 THE POETIC STORY OF 

But this son had to hnii given 
Eyes to see and ears to hear, 

A brave, commanding, noble spirit, 
Yielding not to idle fear. 

To the famous school of Pavia, 
There our destined hero went, 

And in cosmographic study 
All his energies were bent. 

Here he thought beyond his teaching, 
And an added truth soon found — 

That this earth, so broad and massive, 
Was not flat, but nearly round. 

That, beyond the rolling waters 

Of the ever restless sea, 
Other land not yet discovered 

He was certain there must be. 

Now he sails the Mediterranean 

For the benefit of trade. 
And there in little open vessels 

Many trips so safely made. 

Then he passed the shores of Iceland. 

To explore a northern route, 
Where a century before 

Other vessels were sent out. 

Then he sailed the southern waters, 
Passing Guinea's verdant shore, 

As far he went as any vessel 
Ever there had been before. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 13 

Now he goes to famous Lisbon, 

Where there Uved a daring band, 
Famous for their explorations, 

Looking for some unknown land. 

Here he thought and planned and studied, 

Living now a quiet life, 
And here he won a Miss Felipa — 

A fair Italian — for his wife. 

Here was born his son Diego, 

Lad of promise bright and fair, 
Soon to pass beneath the shadows. 

And his father's loss to share. 

In thought Columbus roamed the waters 
While giving still his hand to art. 

Making for his fellow sailors 

Old Ocean's latest map and chart. 

While awake, he thought and pondered 

Of a distant unknown shore. 
Where he hoped to be directed 

By the God that we adore. 

■ In his dreams he sailed and landed, 

Meeting not a serious loss. 
Where at last he proudly planted 
The sacred banner of the cross. 

Through this hope his soul was lighted ; 

By this, all danger he could meet ; 
He would cross the pathless ocean, 

Could he only get a fleet. 



1 4 THE POETIC STORY OF 

He would mail an expedition, 
Had he wealth at his command, 

That would sail the western waters 
Till they reach fair India's land. 

Could he get the needed treasures, 
And his hopes to practice bring ? 

What would be the royal dictum 
Should he stand before the king ? 

Moved to act by these reflections, 
Like a bird upon the wing. 

He hastens to King John, at Lisbon, 
His plans to lay before the king. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 1 5 



CHAPTER II. 

COLUMBUS BEFORE KING JOHN THE SECOND AND HIS COUNCIL. 

Soon he tells the listening monarch 
That this world is nearly round, 

And beyond old ocean's waters 
Other land could yet be found. 

Asks of him his kind assistance, 

An expedition to command, 
That he might make an exploration, 

Seek and find the distant land. 

Tells him how 'twould help his nation, 

Wealth and honor to it bring, 
That it might extend his kingdom, 

How 'twould help his honored king. 

To these words the king responded : 

. " You may think the world is round, 
But I'm not prepared to tell you 
That your views in this are sound. 

" That there is land beyond the ocean. 

This you surely do not know ; 
Should I raise an expedition. 

To destruction it might go. 



1 6 THE POETIC STORY OF 

" This is not the ultiliiatum ; 

I will give decision when 
All your plans have been submitted 

To my scientific men." 

So with the king he meets that council, 
Where the wisest ones are found, 

Tells them one by one the reasons 
Why he thinks the world is round. 

Were it flat way in the distance, 
O'er the land or waters wide, 

It must have a termination, 

When you reach the outer side. 

Like a pit without a bottom, 
Reaching all the world around, 

Where the heedless, headlong falling. 
Could never be by mortals found ; 

Where a vessel thither sailing 

Makes a fearful downward lunge, 

Ever falling, rolling, sinking. 
In her dreadful, fatal plunge. 

Ocean could not hold its waters, 

Its banks would tumble day by day ; 

Then in rolling, rushing torrents 
Would quickly pour itself away. 

Other proofs he laid before them. 
Other reasons, mainly sound ; 

Giving facts that were substantial 

Why he thought the world was round. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 1/ 

If the earth is round or oval, 

Then why need one's efforts fail, 
Should he boldly launch upon it, 

And attempt around to sail ? 

From east to west the Mediterranean 
Two thousand miles he knew to be ; 

He found the time the sun was passing 
O'er this measured inland sea. 

The sunshine measuring thus its way 
Goes clear around the earth each day ; 
Now by proportion can be found 
The distance all the world around. 

That there are unknown lands at sea 

Is very evident to me ; 

For on an island, an Azore, 

Two human bodies washed ashore, 

And in their forms was found no trace 
Of any now known human race ; 
Wood has also washed ashore 
Unlike any known before. 

Carvings thus have reached these lands. 
Rudely cut by unskilled hands ; 
Cut by implements obtuse. 
Unlike any known in use. 

As he had told the king before, 
He tells them how to reach that shore, 
And what advantage it would be 
To find a way across the sea. 



1 8 THE POETIC STORY OF 

His schemes before them now were laid ; 
To him this answer then they made : 
Can any such a fool be found 
Who really thinks the world is round ? 

Man on the downward side, they said, 
Would have his heels above his head ; 
All in country and in town, 
Inverted thus must walk around. 

And here must everyone you meet 
Have shoes adhesive on his feet. 
How far, then, could any go, 
Before they headlong fell below ? 

So everything, as all must see. 

Would surely topsy-turvy be ; 

Trees would grow with branches down, 

While the roots above were in the ground. 

The rain and hail and fleecy snow 
Must upwards fall from depths below ; 
The birds that wing the azure sky. 
All upon their backs would fly. 

Should a ship at your command 
Sail and reach a distant land, 
. Down, far down, this round, steep track 
No power on earth could get it back. 

Why need this council answer more, 
Concerning what has washed ashore ^. 
What of the measured distance found ? 
The world, you see, cannot be round. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 1 9 

To close, what must the answer be, 
From us, the learned Portugue' ? 
Should such an expedition go ? 
We most respectfully answer, no ! 



20 THE POETIC STORY OF 



CHAPTER III. 

AFTER MEDITATION KING JOHN SENDS OUT A SECRET EXPEDITION 
TO TEST THE SCHEMES OF COLUMBUS. 

Though they dismissed him with a jeer, 
His words burn in that sovereign's ear. 
Such earnest words ! so strange and new ! 
But may they not, indeed, be true ? 

That he may of a certain know, 
He'll have an expedition go ; 
In secret he will fit it out, 
And have it follow close the route, 

That so clear Columbus made 
While he before the council staid. 
If other lands were found at sea, 
The credit to himself would be. 

So now he turns from this appeal. 
His thoughts and plans to meanly steal. 
Men knew not what he was about 
When soon he sent a vessel out. 

For it appeared, when it went. 
To Cape Verde Island to be sent ; 
But to its captain he had said, 
" Now boldly push your boat ahead ; 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 21 

" Follow first the well-known track, 
But do not bring your vessel back 
Until your feet shall surely stand 
Upon the distant unknown land." 

The vessel sailed, and passed that shore 
That so well was known before ; 
But when she headed out to sea, 
Where not a harbor there could be, 

The crew were filled with fear and dread ; 
And every league she pushed ahead, 
Receding farther from the shore, 
Their fears were quickened more and more. 

While in this mood of discontent 
A storm old ocean's bosom rent. 
A grand, terrific, sweeping gale 
Madly struck their quivering sail. 

The waves rolled high, the white caps pranced, 

The vessel on the billows danced ; 

Dark forebodings added came, 

Until they cursed that captain's name. 

Why should he bring them here to die, 
Beneath the cold dark sea to lie.? 
For all the world they would not be 
So tossed upon that raging sea. 

Above the roaring sea they shout, 
" Let's head the vessel right about ! 
O captain, captain, we implore. 
Speed us most quickly back to shore ! " 



22 THE POETIC STORY OF 

"No ! Let the vessel go ahead ! " 
In anger then the captain said. 
" For such a raging, howling blast 
Will soon pass by ! It cannot last." 

But the vessel tossed and swayed, 
Plunge after plunge she quickly made. 
Oh what terror ! Oh what dread ! 
As one was pitched upon his head. 

Others reeling, staggering go. 
Or creeping on their knees, below. 
" For mercy sake ! " again they shout, 
" You bring at once this ship about ! 

" If you propose to onward go. 
We'll send you to the depths below ! " 
When thus persuasively appealed, 
The captain thought it best to yield. 

"I cannot blame you, men," he said, 

" That such a storm should cause you dread 

We'll go no farther on this route. 

So let the vessel go about. 

" Let her, now, carry all her sail. 
And quickly fly before the gale." 
And so they sped at his command. 
Until they reached their native land. 

Now when the captain and the crew 
Around their king in caution drew. 
And as they there before him stand 
They disbelieve in unknown land. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 23 

Dark were the plans the king had lain 
That he might wealth and honor gain ; 
But all the honor stealth can bring 
Is very quickly on the wing. 

Instead of writing high his name 
On lofty monument of fame, 
His tarnished name was written low 
Where everyone could see and know. 



24 THE POETIC STORY OF 



CHAPTER IV. 

COLUMBUS LEAVES IN DISGUsT FOR GENOA. 

Now when this perfidy so mean 
Was by Columbus plainly seen, 
That such a '''' great and honored king' 
Should now this stain upon him bring, 

He cared of him to know no more, 
And started soon for old Genoa, 
Hoping a better chance to stand 
In his own dear native land. 

Before the Genoese he laid 
All the schemes that he had made ; 
But they were called at once erratic, 
The visions of a great fanatic. 

Has not old Lisbon's council set. 
And all of these delusions met ? 
The wisest of the world there came. 
Above all other men in fame. 

Who is this man ? Do you not know 
That on the throne of kings would go 
Domenico Colombo's son. 
Who never any glory won ? 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 25 

A fellow of the poorest sort, 
A sailor from this very port ; 
His father now, does he not still 
Live over there beside the hill ? 

He never had his coffer full 
Unless he filled it combing wool ; 
A wiser man this son had made 
Had he but learned his father's trade. 

And so this man of humble birth 
Was made the butt of scorn and mirth. 
He need not dream to gain renown 
In his own home, his native town. 

Such was his doom. It seemed that fate 
Had caused this anxious soul to wait 
Till from the furnace he could bear 
All of the woes that he must share. 



26 THE POETIC STORY OF 



CHAPTER V. 

COLUMBUS GOES TO SPAIN AND SEEKS ASSISTANCE FROM QUEEN 
ISABELLA. 

What here at home he sought in vahi, 
He now resolves to find in Spain. 
Will Ferdinand and Isabella 
Consider him a worthless fellow, 

And spurn him with contempt away 
Or hear and heed what he would say } 
If he succeed or if he fail, 
He will soon to Palos sail. 

To know at once what can be done, 
He now must take his little son, 
Bereft by death of mother's care, 
With him, his father's wants to share. 

So bidding now his friends adieu, 
His journey soon he will pursue, 
Then on a vessel bound for Spain, 
A passage there at once they gain. 

Now when they landed, they were seen 
Hastening for the king and queen, 
Who were then, as writers say, 
About a hundred miles away. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 2/ 

At Cordova, near the river, 
On the banks of Guadalquiver, 
Where the army long before 
Had battled with the savage Moor ; 

And there for years, in war and strife, 
Had struggled for the nation's life — 
An unpropitious time to bring 
His plans before the queen and king. 

Across the fields, like any tramps, 
They started for the royal camps, 
Hoping at once to find the way 
To where the Spanish army lay. 

Light in purse, but heavy at heart. 
Now wan and hungry they depart ; 
About a half a league they went. 
Before they reached a stone convent 

Where the monks he reverenced dwelt, 
And in their lone devotions knelt. 
Here he sought a piece of bread, 
That his dear boy might now be fed. 

A learned prior, unknown before, 
Now met them at the convent door ; 
A hearty welcome they receive. 
And hunger's cravings soon relieve. 

When to this priest Columbus told 
His schemes so strange, his plans so bold, 
He promised that he'd help him bring 
Them all before the queen and king. 



28 THE POETIC STORY OF 

Now, that he might succeed the better, 
He gave an introductory letter 
To the chaplain of the queen, 
Whom Columbus never'd seen. 

Beside all this, this learned one 
Provides to educate his son ; 
So, when from thence Columbus went, 
He left his boy in that convent. 

And he became, as others can, 
A truly wise and learned man. 
Columbus now was quite content, 
And onward toward Cordova went. 

Where he hoped to meet the wise, 
Who would not his plans despise ; 
But the war so long in Spain 
The royal treasury must gain. 

No time or means had they to spend. 
To such an expedition send ; 
Besides all this, they did not care 
Marine disasters now to share. 

For seven years he seeks in vain 
True recognition here in Spain, 
And all his plans attempt to show, 
But some said yes, and more said no 

But now " this speculative fellow " 
Was called to meet Queen Isabella, 
" Who listened to this earnest man 
While he unfolded every plan, 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 29 

And told her how he came to know 
That one might west to India go ; 
How he could reach that land of gold, 
And all its wealth to her unfold. 

But should he sail at her command, 
And seek and find some unknown land, 
That much he surely would enjoy 
To be proclaimed her viceroy ; 

And that a tithe would be his due 
Of all the wealth that should accrue. 
But here the queen responded, " No ! 
With such demands you cannot go ! " 

Columbus had no more to say, 
But slowly turned and went away, 
Hoping to stand a better chance 
Before the royal courts of France. 

Now when this man had gone away. 
The queen so wished she'd bade him stay ! 
What would be a loss to Spain, 
Another crown, she feared, would gain. 

She sent a courier on his track, 
To speed in haste and bring him back. 
When he again before her stands 
She now accedes to his demands. 

And tells him soon she'll have on hand 
Vessels ready to be manned. 
That he may leave the Spanish shore 
To seek for land unknown before. 



THE POETIC STORY OF 

Now all his fears that so annoy 
Give way to most exultant joy ; 
Like darkness of Egyptian night 
Before unclouded noonday light. 

Before, a " lunatic " was he, 
P5ut now an admiral bound to sea. 
What gives the most exultant joy, 
He is proclaimed a viceroy. 

Before him is the unknown land, 
With boats and wealth at his command, 
And doubtless souls that must be lost 
Without the Saviour and his cross. 

Into their dark, beclouded night 
He will let shine the gospel light 
Until, like sainted ones, above, 
They'd know of Jesus and his love. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 3^ 



CHAPTER VI. 

THREE VESSELS FITTED AND MANNED. 

Three vessels soon, at his desire, 

The " Pinta," " Nina," and " Saint Maria," * 

Were fitted out at his command. 

Waiting only to be manned. 

The " Santa Maria " for this trip 
Was to be the admiral's ship ; 
The commanders of the others 
Were to be the Pinzon brothers, 

Noted for their wealth untold, 
And for their explorations bold. 
Such commanders, brave and true, 
Would surely help obtain a crew. 

Now he calls for volunteers, 
But each in Palos greatly fears 
Soon to leave his own dear home. 
Across an unknown sea to roam. 

It's tempting Providence, they say. 
To sail this strange, mysterious way ; 
So many things they have to fear 
That they dare not volunteer. 

* " Santa Maria." 



32 7 HE POETIC STORY OF 

That he might l)e no more delayed, 
A draft at once was quickly made, 
And some who did not courage show 
Were in this way compelled to go. 

A proclamation, too, was made 
To free the prison renegade, 
And let the criminal go free, 
AVho in these ships would go to sea. 

With all these ways at his command. 
The vessels all were quickly manned 
With debtors, thieves, and bold brigand, 
Who with the true courageous stand. 

Such a strange and motley band 
Had never sailed from any land ; 
That they might be prepared for heaven. 
The holy sacrament was given. 

And so did all on bended knee 
Partake before they went to sea. 
It were well could that impart 
True repentance to the heart. 

As they were ready now to sail. 
Their friends drew near them, sad and pale, 
With trembling voice and tearful eye ; 
How could they say the word good-by ! 

For when they leave their native shore, 
They have no hopes to see them more. 
For all of these must have their graves 
Beneath the ocean's dark cold waves. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 33 

Without a single jest or jeer, 
Without a word of praise or cheer, 
With broken heart and tearful eye, 
They leave them all to dare and die. 

And now at last their doleful cries 
Before the throne of God arise : 
" Oh that our friends from us bereft. 
Who now go down to certain death, 

" May seek and find thy pardoning grace 
Before they meet thee face to face ! 
Oh that we all at last may stand 
United there at thy right hand ! " 



34 THE POETIC STORY OF 



CHAPTER Vll. 

A DESCRIPTION OF THE VOYAGE ACROSS THE OCEAN. 

With a crew of just six score, 
Now they leave their native shore ; 
Before a gentle, steady breeze, 
The vessels sped away with ease. 

Headed for Canary Isles, 
They glide along for many miles, 
Until they now can see no more 
The mountains of their native shore. 

Then they murmur and complain 
That they have left the shores of Spain. 
Soon by some mysterious slip 
One of the rudders they unship, 

Doubtless by a coward's hand, 
That back she must be towed to land ; 
But by her commander's skill 
He kept her on her voyage still. 

Now when they sailed a thousand miles. 
They landed on Canary Isles ; 
And while the vessel here stayed. 
Another rudder soon was made. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 35 

At last they leave this island shore, 
The unknown waters to explore ; 
But soon for fear they cannot sleep, 
While tossed upon the mighty deep. 

And every league they pushed ahead, 
The more they murmur, fear, and dread ; 
At length a brilliant meteor flies 
On flaming wings across the skies. 

How then they feared no tongue can tell, 
When it near the vessel fell ; 
While white with fear or ghastly pale, 
The trade winds filled each flapping sail. 

And from a state of painful rest. 
It quickly drove them to the west. 
Each day increased their discontent 
As farther from their homes they went, 

Until the closest scrutiny 

Alone could save from mutiny ; 

But while they thought the matter o'er. 

Some seaweed from a distant shore 

Near the vessels floated round ; 
Upon this mass a crab was found. 
Proof, indeed, they thought, at hand. 
That the)' were nearing western land. 

And when above they raised their eyes. 
Some land-birds winged the distant skies, 
And some, as if without a fear. 
On weary wings came very near. 



S6 THE POETIC STORY OF 

It was, indeed, a pleasant sight, 
To see them on the vessel light ; 
Such little birds, the sailors say, 
Could not have come from far away. 

Before the sad and farewell scene 
A prize was offered by the queen, 
For any one in this command 
Who first should see the unknown land. 

There were no more such fear and dread, 
While the sailors looked ahead ; 
For on the decks do many stand. 
Peering for the unknown land. 

At last one on the " Pinta " cries : 
" I see the land ! I claim the prize ! 
Oh, see the cloud-capped mountains rise 
Toward the golden sunset skies ! " 

Then all the sailors from below 
Onto the decks now quickly go ; 
And when they think they see the shore. 
They shout in triumph more and more : 

" Hurrah for this delightful shore ! 
Hurrah, hurrah, for Commodore ! 
Hurrah for the brave Pinzons, too ! 
Hurrah for us — the loyal crew ! " 

When silence reigned on that night air, 
Columbus bowed his knee in prayer — 
" I thank thee for thy guiding hand 
That brought us safely near to land. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 3/ 

" Thou most exalted Heavenly King, 
All the praise to thee we bring." 
Then in song all voices raise 
And sing the great Redeemer's praise. 

Night let her sable curtains fall, 
And darkness settled over all ; 
But now the sailors cannot sleep, 
Rocked in the cradle of the deep. 

At the earliest dawn of day 
Onto the decks all make their way. 
Expecting very soon to stand 
Upon a new discovered land. 

But what, indeed, was their surprise. 
To see the unobstructed skies, 
And not a single foot of land 
In any view they could command. 

They sail and sail for three days more, 
But naught they see of any shore ; 
Murmuring now both day and night, 
Until Columbus saw a light 

Gleaming faintly far away. 
What it was he could not say ; 
Was it a meteor in the skies, 
Or did it from the water rise ? 

Was it upon the distant land. 
Where now he hoped so soon to stand ? 
Another man, in glad surprise, 
Saw it, he said, distinctly rise, 



38 THE POETIC STORY OF 

As if a torchlight on the land, 
Borne up by some unsteady hand. 
'Twas ten o'clock that autumn night 
When first he saw that distant light. 

At two o'clock or not before 
A sailor surely sees the shore ; 
Just above the sunset skies, 
Its features now distinctly rise. 

And now at last the cannon's ire, 
With thunder sound and breath of fire, 
Awakes the finny tribes that sleep 
Beneath the waters dark and deep. 

And tells to all that understand, 
That they have surely seen the land ; 
So in a glad, exultant way, 
All now await the dawn of dav. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 39 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE MORNING SCENES— THE LANDING DESCRIBED. 

The morning dawned so bright and fair, 
And fragrance filled the balmy air ; 
Upon a lovely shore was seen 
The face of nature veiled in green, 

While verdant parks and orchards stand 
In beauty robed on every hand. 
Here flowers of a gorgeous hue 
In every lawn and woodland grew ; 

And trees unknown to them before 
They saw on this delightful shore, 
With many tempting kinds of fruit 
That any fancy could but suit. 

Now their little boats they lower, 
And stalwart men take up the oar ; 
And soon in ecstasy they stand 
Upon this new Edenic land. 

'Twas August, fourteen ninety-two. 
The day they bade their friends adieu ; 
When sixty-seven days had passed 
They reached this island shore at last. 



40 THE POETIC STORY OF 

As soon as they had landed there, 
Columbus bowed his head in prayer, 
Thanking the God all should adore 
That they had safely reached the shore. 

His crew in tears around him stand, 
And meekly kiss their leader's hand ; 
The most rebellious out at sea 
Seem here the meekest now to be. 

No penitential words they spare, 
That they may of his favors share ; 
For in this land before untold 
They hope to find great wealth in gold. 

Now, in the most impressive manner, 
He soon unfurls the Spanish banner. 
And in a victor's pride and joy 
Proclaims himself the viceroy 

Of all the new discovered land 
That should be found by his command. 
He calls this land, unknown before, 
The island of San Salvador. 

When they in glittering armor stand 
Upon this most delightful land. 
The natives, filled with fear and dread, 
Into a dense old forest fled. 

But when no one did them pursue, 
They slowly from the woods withdrew. 
And gathered timidly around 
Where the Spaniards now are found ; 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 4 1 

And here in awe-struck wonder stand. 
To view tiiis strange, celestial band, 
Who, doubtless, now came from above. 
Perhaps with messages of love. 

The scarlet robes, the royal plumes, 
That here Columbus now assumes, 
Impressed them more than all the rest 
That he was from those regions blest. 

The Spaniards looked with glad surprise 
Into their dark and friendly eyes. 
Such splendid forms, and features, too ! 
Complexion of a golden hue ! 

Here Nature's children 'round them stand 
Just as they came from Nature's hand ; 
They seemed all fitted for the skies. 
Trained up in Nature's paradise. 

The Spaniard now in barter brings 
Some sparkling beads for large gold rings 
That native belles, while seeking beaux. 
Each wore suspended from her nose. 

And this exchange of trinkets bright 
Filled every one with great delight ; 
The natives to the Spanish brave 
A rich collation to them gave 

Of all the good things that abound. 
Which on this island could be found; 
And such a feast of luscious fruit 
Would almost any fancy suit. 



TUE POETIC STORY OF 

They passed a very pleasant day, 
So the Spaniards now all say, 
Where all regarded each a brother, 
And fairly dealt with one another. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 43 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE NATIVES FURTHER DESCRIBED. 

What seemed a wonder, but a truth, 
All here retained the bloom of youth ; 
The oldest seem so young and fair. 
No stooping forms or silvered hair. 

The men of age, if such are here, 
All in the bloom of life appear ; 
Is there not on this new-found shore 
A place where beauty fades no more ? 

Or have they in this sunny clime 
A balm that heals the wounds of time,? 
Do not the links of life here sever? 
In youth does man live on forever ? 

Or does death on each youthful band. 
On every brow, lay his cold hand, 
Thus breaking every earthly tie ? 
In manhood's prime do all here die ? 

Death's sentence passed in olden time 
Has reached this fair and sunny clime ; 
And all to whom God giveth breath 
Do here as elsewhere fall in death. 



44 THE POETIC STORY OF 

But to these natives it seems plain 
That if man dies he lives again ; 
That when the spirit leaves its clay, 
Unto the hills it makes its way. 

Or to the forests grand and fair, 
Departed souls do hasten there ; 
Immured in caves where they are led, 
There are departed spirits fed. 

The doleful winds that sigh and moan 
Are but the exile spirits' groan ; 
The mountain echoes, Indians said, 
Were but the voices of the dead. 

The ransomed soul its way soon found. 
To the happy hunting ground, 
Where each at will, with certain aim. 
Is sure to get the choicest game. 

Such thoughts of heaven do all inspire. 
As best can meet the heart's desire ; 
The weary soul that would be blest 
May find the haven of its rest. 

Unto Columbus and his crew 
The natives seem so kind and true ! 
But see ! these men by nature grand 
Hold warlike weapons in each hand. 

Upon these persons, scars are found 
Of wounds received in battle ground ; 
Account they give of warlike bands 
Who came marauding through their land. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 45 

They tell of islands that of late 
Have been by war made desolate, 
So on this most enchanted ground, 
Angels could not here be found. 



46 THE POETIC STORY OF 



CHAPTER X. 

COLUMBUS AND HIS CREW SEEKING GOLD — THEY SAIL AND MAKE 
OTHER DISCOVERIES. 

Columbus and his motley band 
Here viewed at will this lovely land ; 
Such scenes of grandeur they behold, 
But what they seek is wealth of gold. 

They 'ask, as best they can, by signs, 
The natives for the golden mines. 
And where the pearls and gems abound, 
If any such can here be found. 

With many signs and outstretched hands 
They point toward the southern lands, 
Where the plain, much more the fair, 
All rings of gold and bracelets wear. 

Where lives, indeed, a chieftain bold. 
Who has abundant wealth in gold. 
And every other thing he wishes, 
Who eats and drinks from golden dishes. 

They understood them, too, to say. 
That at the north, not far away. 
Live nations that in warlike bands 
Had often plundered these fair lands. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 4/ 

That these northern warriors bold, 
Always returned with wealth of gold, 
Such good impressions could not fail 
To make them anxious soon to sail. 

Most strong, indeed, was that belief 
That they'd soon find that noted chief, 
And thus by means, if not quite fair. 
Obtain what gold he well could spare. 

That by delay they may not fail. 

They now embark and soon set sail ; 

With seven natives they return. 

That they the Spaniards' tongue may learn. 

That these in turn to them may teach 
The grand, mysterious, native speech. 
So on the islands of this sea 
They all interpreters may be. 

With these accessions to their crew, 
They sailed the placid waters blue. 
Soon an island robed in green 
Across the silvery waves is seen. 

They near this island large and grand, 
Call it Conception when they land, 
And view such sights as they before 
Had seen upon San Salvador. 

Columbus to this new-found race, 
A name now gives that all embrace ; 
Supposing them on India's shore, 
They are called Indians evermore. 



48 THE POETIC STORY OE 

In vain he looks for costly rings, 
Bracelets of gold, and wealthy kings. 
For wealth of storehouse, crib, or barn ; 
But little balls of cotton yarn, 

And gaudy birds, with plumage rare, 
Are all the wealth they have to spare ; 
When asked for gold and gems most rare, 
They point to southern islands fair — 

To lands where people surely bring 
Most precious treasures to their king ; 
There tons of gold they think, they say, 
Not far ahead are stowed away. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 49 



CHAPTER XI. 

THE VOYAGE TO OTHER ISLANDS — EXPERIENCES WITH INDIANS 
WHOM THEY FIND IN THEIR CANOES. 

They spread their sails and catcli the breeze, 
And leave this land of flowers and trees — 
This isle of luscious fruit untold, 
Where naught is found of wealth of gold. 

Upon the placid waters blue 
There glides an Indian canoe, 
Paddled by a lusty band 
Of natives from this floral land. 

Now they near the vessel's side, 
On which they saw an Indian guide. 
" Oh, what is that 1 " a sailor cried ; 
He hears a splash at " Nina's " side, 

And sees a wave roll off so fast, 
" Is it a porpoise swimming past ? " 
Above the wave up comes a head : 
"Man overboard ! " he loudly said. 

" A captive that we brought from shore 
When sailing from San Salvador ! " 
He saw his countrymen afloat 
In their little log-hewn boat, 
4 



50 THE POETIC STORY OF 

And quick as thought he makes a leap 
From " Nina's " deck into the deep, 
And like a fish darts through the wave, 
His life and liberty to save, 

And safely reaches that canoe 
Now floating- on the waters blue. 
Their paddles now they quickly ply, 
And for the woodland swiftly fly. 

But now a boat from " Nina's " crew 
Hotly does this band pursue ; 
The paddles splash, the oars now beat, 
The natives make a safe retreat, 

And soon they reach the wave-washed shore, 
Flee to the woods, are seen no more. 
The Spaniards, beaten in the race. 
In deep chagrin give up the chase. 

Such fruitless efforts they despise, 
So take the Indian boat their prize — 
An act unjust ; but none need wonder 
That Spanish thieves from Indians plunder. 

Another light canoe is seen. 
Toward this land of living green ; 
All alone, an Indian brave 
Comes rocking on the dancing wave, 

And soon in all his native pride 
He reaches " Saint Maria's " side. 
And there beside the ship he stands 
With balls of cotton in his hands. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 5 1 

And these he hopes that he may sell 
To purchase beads and tinkling bell ; 
His charm for toys dispels all fear, 
When lo ! at last he comes so near 

That two, expert to swim and float, 
Jump overboard and seize his boat ! 
A rope around his waist they slip 
And drag him bound onto the ship. 

Now like an aspen leaf he stands, 
Holding within his trembling hands 
The balls of cotton yarn ; in brief,- 
He offers for his own relief. 

Columbus kindly, it is said, 
A gorgeous cap puts on his head ; 
Puts tinkling hawk bells in his ears, 
And bids him now dispel his fears ; 

Assures him he is safe from harm, 
Puts brilliant bracelets on each arm. 
And stands him in his little boat 
Again the dancing waves to float. 

Gives him the yarn he had before. 
Sends him rejoicing to the shore. 
The natives here are full of glee 
When all his trinkets now they see, 

The wondrous story hear him tell 
Of all that had to him befell ; 
How safe and happy all must be 
With those good people on the sea. 



52 THE POETIC STORY OF 

From near this land of living green 
Another island fair is seen, 
Above the waves in grandeur rise 
Toward the western golden skies. 

They lay their course directly west 
For this the fairest and the best, 
For here the greedy Spaniards bold 
Hope soon to load their ships with gold. 

The vessels half the distance make, 

When they an Indian overtake 

In such a little fragile boat 

That naught but skill could keep afloat, 

Who for this isle had gone ahead. 
That there the news he might all spread, 
And tell the natives of that band 
Who from the skies came to their land. 

Columbus now at his desire 
Takes him on the " St. Maria," 
Decks him well with trinkets funny, 
Feeds him, too, with wine and honey. 

Borne by a gentle, balmy breeze, 
The vessel sped away with ease, 
Till night her mantle spread at last. 
When all the boats their anchors cast 

'Mid fragrance wafted from the land ; 
Near by a shore supremely grand, 
He launches now that light canoe 
Upon the waters dark and blue. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 53 

With gilded gifts all covered o'er 
He sends this Indian brave ashore, 
That here the natives on the land 
Might greet with joy this coming band. 

When here the shore his feet had tread, 
The tidings strange were quickly spread ; 
At morn a large expectant band 
Were seen at daylight on the land. 

While all around the waters, too. 
There swarmed the Indian canoe. 
Whose crews, with joy and native pride, 
Approached at once each vessel's side, 

Each bringing roots and luscious fruit, 
And water pure that could but suit ; 
Receiving then some little toy 
That filled each childlike heart with joy. 

Here sugar, too, and honey sweet, 
He gave these natives all to eat, 
And soon each one of this command 
Was warmly greeted on the land. 

The dwellings here were neat, indeed. 
Though made of palm-leaves and of reed ; 
Graceful in structure and in form. 
But damp and chilly in a storm. 

Again they search in vain for gold, 
But here, as previously, are told 
That still the precious golden lore 
Is found upon another shore. 



54 THE POETIC STORY OF 

Not meeting here his great desire, 
He hastens on the " St. Maria," 
And soon this vessel leaves behind her 
The pleasant isle of Fernandina, 

Still sailing for a richer shore. 
On which abounds the precious ore, 
AVhere lives the sovereign, chief, or king, 
To whom all wealth the people bring. 

Sure " Saomenta " o'er the way 
Is such an isle, the natives say. 
They land upon this island fair. 
But neither king nor gold is there. 

Song-birds are here of every hue, 
And lovely flowers that sip the dew, 
And dancing rills, and crystal lake, 
And many things that beauty make — 

This isle of purple, green, and yellow, 
Called by Columbus, Isabella, 
On which a friendly people live. 
Could not the precious metal give. 

When asked where gold and gems are found, 
Reply, on " Cuba " they abound ; 
They tell by gestures and by signs 
Of precious metal in the mines. 

Besides all this they understand 
That on this isle are cities grand ; 
They understood them, too, to say 
That vessels large are in the bay. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 55 



CHAPTER XII. 

SAILING FOR CUBA — BEAUTIFUL SCENERY — VARIOUS SCENES ON THE 

ISLAND. 

Columbus now his sails all spread, 
To seek his fortune just ahead, 
To find this wealthy island fair, 
And largely in her riches share. 

Soon, on a bright October day, 
The grandest scenes before them lay — 
A verdant mountain towering high, 
Whose summit kissed the blushing sky ; 

And valleys all below were seen, 

Decked in robes of richest green ; 

A lovely stream, a river grand, 

Was seen meandering through the land ; 

A wave-washed shore of pearly white, 
All decked in shells like gems most bright, 
While foaming waves were tumbling o'er, 
And racing up and down the shore. 

Unto this lovely island near. 
They sail on crystal water clear ; 
Until, in great delight at last, 
The ships all here their anchors cast. 



56 THE POETIC STORY OF 

An eager band now take the oar 
And land upon this gem-decked shore ; 
The natives, on the hillsides green, 
Amazed by this appalling scene. 

Are smitten with the gravest fear, 
And quickly fly like frightened deer 
To bowers on the mountain side 
Where they the most securely hide. 

Palm-thatched cabins, neat and clean, 
Are all along the river seen ; 
But when within they looked around, 
No one, at all, could there be found ; 

Each one had fled in greatest fear 
When ocean's strangers ventured near ; 
Not one of all that host was found 
To tell where gold and gems abound. 

They find no wealth of which to boast, 
So westward sail along the coast ; 
Now ever peering o'er the land 
For domes of cities large and grand. 

For now they think, as heretofore. 
That they are near fair India's shore ; 
That they have reached, or surely can, 
The far-famed island of Japan. 

He coasts along for three days more, 
And sees no end to this vast shore ; 
So he and all of his command 
Think this is continental land ; 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. S7 

That Cathay's reahn, for wealth renowned, 
Is near at hand and must be found ; 
They beat along, a few days more, 
What seemed to all an endless shore. 

When all above dark storm-clouds frowned, 
While maddened waves dashed all around, 
They sail directly from the south 
Into a little river's mouth. 

When here, protected from the blast, 
The vessels all their anchors cast. 
Upon these most delightful lands 
A group of Indian cabins stands ; 

But when they reach the shore ahead 
The natives all in terror fled ; 
Again Columbus tries to reach 
Some trembling natives on the beach, 

And for this work he sends ashore 
A native of San Salvador ; 
When he's in hailing distance near, 
He greets them all with words of cheer. 

The natives listen on the land. 
And seem his words to understand ; 
So now he lays aside his oar, 
Jumps overboard and swims ashore. 

And soon among that group he stands, 
Entirely helpless in their hands. 
Assured by what he has to say, 
They treat him in a friendly way. 



58 THE POETIC STORY OF 

What filled Columbus with delight, 
Before the gathering shades of night, 
Twice eight canoes with native braves, 
Beside the ships rocked on the waves. 

Again he looks in vain for gold, 
But thinks he's by the natives told 
That sure an inland city lay 
About a hundred miles away — 

A city grand, with lofty dome, 
There was that noted chieftain's home ; 
A journey there they'll undertake, 
Acquaintance with that chief they'll make. 

He sends an embassy of four — 
A native of San Salvador, 
An Indian guide of Cuba, too, 
A Spaniard and a linguist Jew — 

With little trinkets to defray 
Expenses met along the way. 
And royal gifts with them they bring, • 
For that sovereign, chief, or king. 

While there the envoys make this trip, 
'Columbus now repairs his ship. 
And sends explorers all around 
To find where treasures can be found. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 59 



CHAPTER XIII. 

OTHER DISCOVERIES-A HISTORICAL RIDDLE-THE EXPERIENCE OF 
THE ENVOYS— HISTORICAL RIDDLE NO. 2— A SEVERE STORM AT 
SEA— THE "PINTa" SEPARATES FROM THE OTHER VESSELS- 
VARIOUS SCENES AND EXPERIENCES. 

Columbus here a boat now takes, 

And up the stream a voyage makes, 

Seeking spices tjiat when sold 

In Europe's marts would yield them gold. 

While looking round he sees a blaze 
Into which some Indians gaze ; 
A bulbous root he sees them take 
From 'neath the ashes where they bake. 

This bulb, by white men then first seen, 
Is now preserved by Paris green. 
Its hidden value, then untold. 
Was worth a million tons of gold. 

And now please tell me, if you know, 
What these roots were and where they grow, 
And how this root by them first seen 
Is now preserved with Paris green. 

The envoys sent out now return. 
All gather round, the news to learn ; 
They tell how through the wilds they stray 
Till, more than thirty miles away. 



60 THE POETIC STORY OF 

An Indian hamlet neat and clean, 
With fifty houses now is seen. 
When they these humble dwellings reach, 
The linguist Jew attempts a speech 

In all the tongues he can command, 
But none of these they understand. 
They seem to comprehend much more 
The speaker from San Salvador ; 

For in wonder most profound, 
A thousand natives gather round, 
And soon these strangers they embrace, 
And rub their hands across each face ; 

Inspect the wondrous clothes they wear, 
And look them o'er with greatest care. 
Seeking to know, as best they can, 
The wonders of " the coming man." 

While they, their hands upon them laid, 
And such a close inspection made, 
The intrepid Jew and Spaniard bold 
Were vainly searching them for gold. 

Here on this isle was found a weed 
That was nauseous indeed. 
The Spaniards thought it quite a joke 
To see this weed the natives smoke, 

For when they tried the little trick, 
They found, alas ! it made them sick. 
But in this thing they would not fail. 
So take some with them when they sail. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 6 1 

From day to day a habit grew, 
Until this weed they smoke and chew ; 
And now all nations, white and black, 
Follow so blindly in this track — 

Following on without a fear 
Where fall its victims every year, 
Where slaves of habit ever stay 
Without will power to break away. 

The fleets that in this harbor lay 
Were phantom ships that fade away ; 
The wealthy kings and cities grand 
Were myths on this delightful land. 

Columbus here can find no gold, 
Though nature yields her wealth untold ; 
Before he leaves this shore he slips 
The brightest natives on his ships — 

The flower of the Indian race, 
Each one with lovely form and face ; 
Both brilliant men and maidens young. 
That they may learn the Spanish tongue, 

So when another trip they make 
These trained interpreters they'll take. 
Again they hope to cross the sea, 
Most useful guides they then will be. 

Another island now they seek, 
The isle the natives call Babique ; 
A wealthy land, they surely say, 
Not more than sixty miles away. 



62 THE POETIC STORY OF 

So eastward bound they set their sail, 
But met a boisterous wind and gale ; 
A dreary day and night the fleet 
Against the angry billows beat. 

Columbus faced about his ship. 
To back into the harbor slip ; 
He signals so the Pinzons know, 
And bids them into harbor go. 

Martin Alonzo, it is said, 

Still with the " Pinta" pushed ahead. 

Now all alone to undertake 

His own discoveries to make. 

When at the dawn of morning's light. 
The " Pinta " still was out of sight, 
Columbus, filled with deep disgust 
That he this captain cannot trust, 

Fears he will hasten back to Spain, 
The tidings take, the glory gain ; 
So, now in sorrow most intent, 
Columbus back to Cuba went. 

And sails into a harbor fine, 
Called by him Saint Catharine, 
Near which a river's mouth was seen, 
Upon whose banks were meadows green, 

Decked with flowers of every hue, 
Near which the mammoth oak tree grew, 
Canoes of which the Indians make, 
That will a hundred persons take. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 63 

Columbus is perplexed to know 
Where he shall sail, when he shall go, 
But soon decides again to seek 
The wealthy isle they call Barbique. 

Doubting, fearing, lest they fail. 
From Cuba's eastern point they sail ; 
Soon mountains decked in robes of green 
A little south of east were seen. 

But when this land the Indians spied. 
All on the ships were terrified; 
" It is the Caribs' isle," they cry, 
" Who torture prisoners till they die; 

" And all who come within their power 
They surely kill and then devour." 
And then in tears they all implore 
That none will land on that dark shore. 

Columbus fearing naught they said. 
Toward this island pushed ahead — 
Toward fair Hayti's western shore, 
Just as he had done before. 

Armed and equipped at great expense, 
Could he not stand in self-defence ? 
Why need he fear these fiends so bold, 
If that fair land abounds in gold ? 

They near these towering mountains high, 
Whose summits pierce the vaulted sky, 
And looking all around he sees 
The most luxuriant forest trees. 



64 THE POETIC STORY OF 

Through towering pine and sturdy oak, 

He sees arise a cloud of smoke; 

So all of this opinion share, 

That crowds of men are gathered there. 

Over the billows on they glide, 
And in a pleasant harbor ride, 
And soon a lovely shore they reach, 
Canoes they find upon the beach. 

Deserted villages are seen 
On hillside slopes and all between; 
But here they seek in vain to find 
A single native left behind. 

Attempts to reach the natives fail, 
So they embark and eastward sail ; 
Saint Nicholas Harbor leave behind, 
For Port Conception now to find. 

' They soon this pleasant harbor reach, 
• And land upon a pearly beach; 
But here the frightened natives fly 
To clefts upon the mountain high. 

Armed men are sent out, but in vain, 
To access to the people gain. 
A wandering band with nimble feet 
Now chanced some islanders to meet. 

As soon as these the natives spied. 
They all were greatly terrified ; 
And for the mountains off they bound 
Like frightened deer before a hound. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 65 

And here a lovely Indian maid, 
Who with this native band had strayed, 
Now seeks in vain to keep apace 
With other runners in the race, 

With her trained brothers all so fleet. 
In their precipitous retreat 
The sailors, weary in the race. 
Would soon have given up the chase; 

But when they saw her faltering step, 
Onward for victory they kept ; 
And soon their shouts of triuniph rise. 
As with their fascinating prize 

They quickly to the vessel go. 
And proudly here their prize now show. 
A ring of gold hung from her nose. 
Which led Columbus to suppose 

That this treasure could be found 
In abundance all around. 
Columbus greets this maiden fair. 
As with parental love and care. 

The Indian belles from Cuba here 
Assurance give, dispel her fear; 
And then her person they adorn, 
Like ruddy sky at blushing morn, 

With gaudy robes so fair and bright, 
That thrilled her with intense delight; 
They decked her now with trinkets funny, 
And gave her, too, both wine and honey. 
5 



66 THE POETIC STORY OF 

So when at last they bade her go, 
She seemed inclined to answer No. 
Some sailors now with boat and oar 
So slowly set this belle ashore. 

Then all alone they let her stray 
To her own village far away, 
That here her story she may tell, 
And all her brothers' fears dispel. 

The morning dawned — a band of ten 
Most bold, impetuous, daring men. 
Who never think of saying fail, 
Followed in an Indian trail 

Through the forests where had strayed 
That most attractive Indian maid. 
When near a river winding round 
A thousand wigwams there they found ; 

But when these warriors came so near 
The natives fled in greatest fear, 
For the adorning of the maid 
Had doubtless made them more afraid. 

They seemed instinctively to know 
That there approached a wily foe, 
Who would delusive means employ, 
So sent them now this fair decoy. 

A Cuban guide, most loyal shown. 
Pursued these natives all alone ; 
And soon he gains the listening ear — 
His words at once dispel their fear. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. • 67 

Two thousand natives (it seems queer) 
Now gatliered round without a fear ; 
And with the ten they make a trip 
Back to Columbus and the ship. 

They dazzle now the natives' eyes 
With gaudy trinkets that surprise, 
And now some little presents make, 
And so, of course, some presents take. 

Some brilliant beads each Spaniard brings 
And freely gives for large gold rings ; 
A little gold the sailors find 
That they would not leave behind. 



68 THE POETIC STORY OF 



CHAPTER XIV. 

EXPERIENCE WITH AN INDIAN CHIEF — LOSS OF THE " SANTA 
MARIA " — THE RETURNING VOYAGE. 

To make a lengthy story brief, 
They found at last an Indian chief, 
Kind-hearted, generous, and true. 
With whom the warmest friendship grew. 

And every courtesy then known 
Was by and to that chieftain shown ; 
Columbus made a great parade, 
And just the same that chieftain made. 

Columbus with him went to dine, 
And with him freely drank his wine ; 
Delightful games the Spaniards play 
With these kind natives while they stay. 

Such pleasures very soon are passed. 
Or with them sorrow comes at last ; 
One very fair and pleasant night. 
When from the shore, not out of sight, 

The " Santa Maria," so they say, 
Within a pleasant harbor lay ; 
All are. surprised when it is found 
That she has surely run aground, 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 69 

And every effort that is sought 
To make her float avails them naught. 
Columbus and his crew now know 
That she must soon to pieces go. 

At morn Columbus sought relief 
From Guacanagari the chief, 
Who mourned their lot and freely wept, 
And very helpful to them kept. 

He sends to aid brave men and true, 
Each native with his own canoe ; 
Those httle boats with goods were stored, 
Until the ship they all unload. 

So crew and cargo now all land 
Safely with this native band. 
And here protected find relief 
With this kind-hearted Indian chief. 

Here all the help that he could render, 
His kind heart prompted him to tender ; 
The " Santa Maria " none could save. 
She went to pieces on the wave. 

Now on this shore a fort they make. 
In which her ordnances they take, 
And on this fair and fruitful ground 
Attempt a colony to found. 

And here they leave some forty men. 
To what they leave behind defend. 
And with much care to look around 
To find where gold and gems abound. 



70. THE POETIC STORY OF 

And now Columbus and his crew 
Bid all they leave behind adieu, 
And on the " Nina," small and frail, 
Prepare, at once, to homeward sail. 

When leaving this delightful sea, 
They find the savage Caribbee; 
The real Cannibal they meet. 
Who surely kill, and kill to eat. 

But here these Indians found it vain 
To fight these warriors late from Spain, 
And soon they made a quick retreat. 
Hungering still, with naught to eat. 

Now all aboard the ship again. 
They weigh their anchor, sail for Spain; 
What filled each one with great delight, 
The " Pinta " here heaves up in sight, 

That all alone had cruised around. 

And many things delightful found. 

And so the two move off together 

'Mid boisterous waves and stormy weather. 

For days and weeks a howling blast 
Fearfully shook each trembling mast ! 
But here the tempest wild and grand 
AVas in our loving Father's hand, 

Whom much Columbus did implore. 
To bring, them safely back to shore; 
So all at last in triumph stand 
Upon their own dear native land. 



THE HERO OF THE OCEAN. 7 1 

A message to the king was sent, 
The tidings through all Europe went, 
And such a glad, exultant day 
Was never known, so writers say. 

The drums all beat, the cymbals clang, 
The bells from every steeple rang, 
Crowned heads arise upon their feet. 
The greatest man in Spain to greet. 

And every one desires to be 
With him who crossed the unknown sea. 
Four hundred years have passed away. 
Since that most glad, triumphant day. 

But since that time so long ago. 
Some changes have been made, you know; 
But what they are you all know well 
That pen and tongue can never tell. 






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